What software or app is best for planning a room remodel?

June 3, 2024 9:10 AM

What software or app is best for planning a room remodel? I'm planning to renovate a room, converting from a bedroom to an office. I'd like to work with a program or app that will allow me to visualize any possible changes to the furniture and walls.

I think what I'm looking for is some sort of program or app that would allow me to either take pictures of the room as it currently is, and/or enter its dimensions, and then move around furniture like it's a virtual dollhouse. Maybe something like whatever realtors use to virtually stage an empty house? I'd love something that allows for paint and wallpaper ideas to be displayed, too.

I'm not very artistically inclined so ease of use would be very helpful. I'm happy to pay if there's something particularly good out there. I could run this on a PC or an iPad or both.

posted by cheapskatebay to Home & Garden (3 answers total)

https://sweethome3d.com/ is the easiest I've found - there's a browser version, but the windows version is slightly nicer to use. It's not very good at exteriors but great for interiors.
posted by samj at 9:21 AM on June 3

I've used Sketchup for Windows to do exactly this. (I use the 2017 version, not sure how it compares with the most recent version.)

It takes a little bit of getting used to. The interface for entering shape dimensions is kind of hard to discover, but easy once you do. You can also download and insert models of common furniture from 3D Warehouse. (For example, any IKEA furniture you could mention.)
posted by snarfois at 9:33 AM on June 3 [1 favorite]

Cedreo? I like it a lot (although the furniture options in the free version are somewhat limited.)
posted by EmilyClimbs at 6:16 AM on June 7